Student Walkout

Shoreline student Harmony Mathison has organized a school-wide walkout to protest the hate and bigotry that this country has so quickly adopted as acceptable.

In the past, protests have been a useful way to exercise your right to free speech. They have also shed light on issues that have yet to reach the public’s ear and have given a voice to those who feel silenced by oppression.

Since the recent election, however, the act of peaceful protesting has taken a violent turn in many areas throughout the country. This is a statement. People are angry.

However, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “… Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, Only love can do that.”

In that spirit, this protest will be peaceful and inclusive, According to Mathison. Mathison wishes to shed light on the idea that “when people give up their power, that is when a democracy loses.”

For those who wish to join, only love and acceptance for one another will be tolerated.

“People are equal,” Mathison stated. “The people need to take back their power.”

The walkout will begin at 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21 as students leave their classrooms and walk peacefully to the common area outside the PUB, exercising their right to free speech and protesting the policies that may be put into place following Donald Trump’s inauguration.